Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea for a second time in December, just seven months after he led them to the Premier League title.

The Blues lost nine of their opening 16 league games to leave them just one point above the relegation zone.

And Fabregas admits that he and his team-mates let the Portuguese boss down.

Chelsea Loan Watch: 16/17 April

CHELSEA have a whole host of talents out on loan across Europe and beyond this season. But how did they get on at the weekend?

1 / 30

GETTY

Michael Hector - Opened the scoring away to Leeds with a back post half-volley - his first Championship goal of the season - but he failed to help the defence keep the opposition out as Reading lost 3-2

“He had been trusting us and we let him down.”

Cesc Fabregas

He said: “I love Jose and I consider him my friend and we still keep in touch right now.

"Some of the things said were unfortunate, but I have huge respect for him.

"I think Jose's biggest problem was that he trusted us too much. He gave us more holiday because we were champions. He had been trusting us and we let him down.

"The whole team has, all of the players, and that was the main reason why he had to go.